Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2009
251 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of enquiries or inspections carried out by his Department in the past 12 months with a view to authentication of meat or meat products purporting to be of Irish origin; if he is satisfied that all such labelled products accurately reflect their original source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20691/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Agency, the Health Services Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency. As far as my Department is concerned labelling checks are carried out as part of the routine official checks at meat plants where there is a permanent presence of DAFF Veterinary or technical staff. Checks are conducted on a random, risk based frequency and cover labelling, traceability/origin, identification of cattle, labelling of carcases, meat, mince meat, meat products.
